FIRST ALERT: What is the Buck Moon?

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) -July’s full moon is happening now, and here’s how you can get the best view of 2026’s Buck Moon. The Buck Moon gets its name because this is the time of year when male deer grow their new velvety antlers.

Here’s how you can see the Buck Moon at its best. After sunset Wednesday, Midlands sky watchers will want to look to the east. Moonrise will occur Wednesday at 8:45 p.m.

The moon will sit low on the horizon which makes it appear larger than usual.

Because the moon will sit low on the horizon, it may also appear to have an orangish hue. There’s more of the Earth’s atmosphere for light to travel to reach our view. More blue light is scattered and filtered away, leaving only the reddish and orangish hues to reach our eyes.

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